The effects of some entomopathogenic fungi isolates on apple blossom beetle, Tropinota (Epicometis) hirta (Poda) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

In this study carried out between 2019-2020, 15 entomopathogenic fungus isolates selected from the entomopathogenic fungus culture collection in Mycology Laboratory (Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, Faculty of Agriculture, Plant Protection Department) were identified using molecular methods and their effectiveness against adults of Apple Blossom Beetle [Tropinota (= Epicometis) hirta (Poda) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)] was investigated. Molecular diagnostic tests revealed that 13 isolates were Beauveria bassiana, 1 isolate was Clonostachys rosea, and 1 isolate was Purpureocillium lilacinum. In order to determine the effectiveness of these entomopathogenic fungus isolates against adults of Apple Blossom Beetle, a single dose trial was conducted at a concentration of 1x107 conidiospor ml-1. According to the single-dose trial data, 5 isolates with high efficacy were selected (GN16, GN22-1, GN29-1, HP3-1 and HP33-1) and dose-mortality trials were established with these isolates using 1x106, 1x108 and 1x109 conidiospor ml-1 doses. In addition, LT30, LT50 and LT90 values at a dose of 1x108 conidiospor ml-1 and LC50 and LC90 values on day 11 were calculated for the isolates used in the dose-mortality trials. According to the data obtained as a result of the study, it was observed that all isolates used in dose- mortality studies were effective against Apple Blossom Beetle adults. With these isolates, more detailed studies should be conducted in field conditions.